Russel left the field about a month ago. He just went down during the game and from the ground informed teammate he wasn't feeling well. A stretcher was sent unto the field but with assistance Russel went off. Russel took no further part in the match. I have not seen any formal statement about his condition. I did hear during commentary that he may have beenhit in on the head during net session. Russel didn't play subsequent matches and his captain Powell , when asked at the toss said he was resting and getting well.

Russel didn't play another game until about a week ago. He didn't finish an over and went off. Again the word from the comms was he was not feeling well. He didn't return to the field. Kingsmen won the match. Powell was asked about Russell and he said Russel was okay and would have betted in the match if required. In the next match against GAW in the Qualifier 2, Russel again didn't finish an over and left the field. He however returned and bowled 2 overs. He was obviously struggling to complete his last over and he batted for 2 runs as Kingsmen won and is now in the final.

Hence my question, Should Andre Russell play in the final?

I am sure this is a tough call for team management.

I am sure Russell will want to play.

Concussion is serious.

But was he diagnosed as suffering from concussion.

Better questions, should Russell be still playing cricket, what.value does he and to.any reputable team that tens of youngsters out there cannot?

@Brerzerk wrote:

Better questions, should Russell be still playing cricket, what.value does he and to.any reputable team that tens of youngsters out there cannot?

I believe a fit Russell has much to offer

@Narper wrote:

I believe a fit Russell has much to offer

Yeah, his mind says yes, but his body is saying no! Time to call it a day.

@Narper wrote:

Should Andre Russell play in the final?

Dre will play. He still has the ability to make a significant impact in the game....be it bowling or batting.

Having said that, he should retire from T20 cricket after this game as his body is not holding up.

@googley

This is franchise, exhibition cricket.in the Caribbean.

Russell is our past hero, he should be the one deciding.

Jamaica Kingsmen (Playing XI): Maaz Sadaqat, Kirk McKenzie, Keacy Carty, Saim Ayub, Rovman Powell(c), Andre Russell, Hassan Khan, Romaine Morris(w), Keemo Paul, Vitel Lawes, Hunain Shah

After the toss, Powell says Russell is fit...that he is a warrior...rearing to go...with his teammates to help him

Russel confirms he was hit on the head and it has affected him.

Andre Russell: [On the team’s grit and never-say-die attitude] You know, we are from Jamaica, we a little but we tallawah and, that’s a slogan that we live with and, with the way we’ve been playing our last couple of games, I have no doubt.

When I came off, I told the guys that they were short 20 runs based on how good the wicket was. We bowling it and we weren’t getting much spin, ball was sliding on perfectly to the bat, so with a little dew around, it would make it easier. So I never doubted that we wouldn’t get that score and the guys batted exceptionally well, so hats off to the batters.

[On preparing for finals] Make sure that I get enough rest, not think about the game too much because I approach these games as just another game. Sometimes emotions get in your way and you think like, it’s a final and you have to do this different or do this. It’s just the same process for me.

So whatever I do, I follow that same tradition, warming up, don’t do too much because it’s a final. Save all the energy for the game so you can leave everything on the park.

[On his body and dealing with the challenge] Oh, when I got hit in Jamaica in my head, it was affecting me still, but I kept pushing and I kept pushing until I had to take a break from the game, missing three games based on the dizziness that I was getting.

But when I came back, it still come back here and there, and I find when I push myself, I’m still not fully recovered because it was a terrible hit. So, everything in this sport is tough, we have to be tough as well. So it’s just one last push for me and hopefully that will bring me through.

Cricket commentary | Antigua and Barbuda Falcons vs Jamaica Kingsmen, Final, Caribbean Premier League 2026

@Brerzerk wrote:

Better questions, should Russell be still playing cricket, what.value does he and to.any reputable team that tens of youngsters out there cannot?

Take a look.